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Around 86 per cent of murders of journalists, media workers and people engaged in journalistic activities worldwide remain unresolved, with 189 killed in 2024 and 2025, according to UNESCO.
The agency said 67 per cent of the killings took place in countries experiencing armed conflicts.
The figures were highlighted in a statement issued by UNESCO to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
The information was shared in a press release sent by Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative and Head of its Dhaka Office, on Monday (November 2).
This year’s theme is “Shifting Threats. Persistent Impunity”, highlighting changing threats against journalists and the lack of accountability for crimes committed against them.
UNESCO stressed that ensuring journalists’ safety is essential to protecting freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
The statement said tackling impunity requires not only bringing perpetrators to justice but also taking effective preventive measures, responding promptly to threats and ensuring journalists’ protection.
In Bangladesh, UNESCO is working to strengthen journalists’ safety under the United Nations electoral assistance project, BALLOT.
According to project data, nearly 3,000 journalists across the country had received training by September 2026, including a full-day module on journalists’ safety. The trainees included around 200 women journalists and 24 photojournalists.
Ahead of the national election, UNESCO also distributed 60 protective vests, 4,000 journalist support cards and 7,500 election reporting guidelines.
The organisation has also taken initiatives to strengthen cooperation among the Election Commission, police and media through training and dialogue.
